(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— APPLE VALLEY, CA—Damage Controlman 2nd Class Ivy Salcido, from Apple Valley, California, uses a radio to communicate with the repair locker from the scene of a simulated fire casualty aboard the Navy’s forward-deployed aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) during a general quarters drill. Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force, which protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Timothy M. Black)

By Aldon Stiles |California Black Media

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Only four percent of California’s African American voters are registered as Republicans, according to the Public Policy Institute of California. The majority, about seventy seven percent, are members of the Democratic Party.

Johnnie Morgan, 68, the newly elected president of the California Republican Assembly (CRA), wants to change those numbers. So he’s pushing a message to attract African-American Democrats and Independents to his party by highlighting ways the party’s platform aligns with who they are and the things they care about.

“African Americans place a high value on family as does the Republican Party,” said Morgan, who was sworn into his new position on June 19 during the CRA’s statewide convention in Sacramento.

Morgan, who ran for the position unopposed with the full support of his organization, will serve a three-year term.

“African Americans have a history of being inventors and businesspeople involved in entrepreneurial enterprises,” he said.  “The Republican Party has a focus on free enterprise and economic development.”

The CRA is a conservative activist group that helps Republican candidates it endorses get elected, supporting them with money, volunteers and other resources. Officially chartered by the California Republican Party, the CRA was formed in the 1933 and was praised by Ronald Reagan as the “the conscience of the Republican Party,” according to the CRA official website.

The group, which is the largest and oldest independent Republican organization in the state, played a key role in helping Reagan win California’s gubernatorial race in 1966.

According to Morgan, the CRA implements community engagement programs and voter registration conventions to help expand the membership of the Republican Party and support the party’s goals.

Morgan becomes the head of the CRA at a time when the California COP is making a deliberate effort to attract more members in a state that is heavily Democrat. About 43 percent of California’s voters are registered Democrats. Only 28 percent are Republican. Democrats hold supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature. In the senate, Democrats outnumber Republicans 29 to 11. And in the Assembly, the ratio is 61 to 18.

In national elections, California has not voted for a Republican president since George H.W. Bush in 1987.

In February this year, the California Republican Party elected Jessica Patterson as its first Latina and female president with 54.6 percent of the vote.

“Today we are starting the next chapter of our party history,” Patterson said in her acceptance speech. “We’re going to be about one thing: winning. We’re going to take the fight to Democrats. We’re going to fight them in the precincts and we’re going to beat them in elections.”

At the same convention, Republican delegates from around the state elected Peter Kuo, an immigrant from Taiwan to be its vice chairman and a gay man, Greg Gangrud, as its treasurer.

Morgan has been an active member of the Republican Party for 35 years, four of which he spent as National Committeeman for the CRA. He has also served as a California delegate to the last eight Republican National conventions.

“I am excited by the opportunity to lead this superb organization, to bring good conservative government to California and grow our membership,” he said.

Morgan says he intends to showcase a more inclusive organization to offset the common perception that conservative ideals run counter to the needs of African-American communities in California.

“I plan to expand membership, increase the diversity of membership, and become more integral to the party in a more physical and active capacity,” he said.

The low number of Black Californians who join or support the Republican Party in California, Morgan says, results from a fundamental miscommunication between the state GOP and the African-American community. He believes that getting the word out about how his party’s policies align with the interests and principles of African Americans will be a game changer.

He cites religion, for example, as one way to find common ground.

“Both the Republican Party and the traditional African-American family value the church and its role in the community as it relates to freedom of religion,” Morgan said. “We need to let them know that we are a place for [African Americans] to come to for support of our communities.”

A Los Angeles native and Pepperdine University graduate, Morgan has deep roots in both California and his party. He serves as the National Association of Republican Assemblies Western Region Vice President and is also a delegate to the California Republican Party.

“I absolutely feel that [the CRA] has my back now just as they have had my back throughout much of my career,” Morgan said.“Not only do I want to expand our diversity but also better engage at the national level, state level and local level.”

Morgan hopes his presidency can operate as an inspiration and example for Black voters in California as well.

“I encourage more African Americans to take a hard look at the Republican Party,” Morgan said. “My presence should indicate that there is opportunity in the party for inclusion and leadership.”

By Rachel Silverman and Amanda Glassman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— Healthy competition from generic drugs is often held up as a “cure” for high drug prices — a shared concern across rich and developing countries alike. For many low- and middle-income countries, however, a new report from the Center for Global Development that we co-authored shows that global markets for generic medicines are failing, leaving the poorest patients without safe and affordable essential medicines.

The first point of failure is drug quality. In wealthy countries, residents can usually trust that all drugs on pharmacy shelves are safe, authentic, and potent. Most families and doctors are happy to opt for quality-assured generics that have been tested for bioequivalence, systematically monitored for adverse events, subject to regular inspection for manufacturing quality, and priced well below their branded competitors. As we describe in the report, in the United States and the United Kingdom, for example, non-branded generic drugs account for more than 80% of all pharmaceutical consumption by volume (and roughly 30% by value).

In poor countries, by contrast, regulatory and quality control systems are often ill-equipped and under-resourced to ensure medicine quality, which can allow low-quality or fraudulent drugs to infiltrate the market. In her new book, “Bottle of Lies,”Katherine Eban highlights manufacturing shortcuts and fraud among Indian and Chinese manufacturers that endanger the quality of the global supply of generic drugs. And these challenges are shared across low- and middle-income countries, including emerging economies like Indonesia and Nigeria.

So when a Nigerian woman goes to the pharmacy, she’s rightfully suspicious about whether unfamiliar “no-name” pills work safely. Instead, she looks for other signals of medicine quality. Most likely, she’ll settle on a familiar brand name, usually sold at a substantial price premium. This is a similar story for many people living in the poorest countries where unbranded generics represent just 5% of all medicine consumption. Most health workers and patients there instead opt for familiar brands that (they hope) signal higher quality.

The second point of failure is limited competition. Entering new markets is costly and time consuming for generic manufacturers. For each new generic, each country needs to review and approve a product dossier, a procedure filled with bureaucratic red tape. That means under-resourced regulatory agencies spend much of their time and energy on registering new products, leaving little capacity to inspect them and ensure quality once they hit the market. When market entry is difficult or where government policies restrict purchasing to local manufacturers or middlemen, a single seller can capture 85% or more of the market for entire therapy classes such as contraceptives in Senegal, diabetes medicines in Zambia, or anti-parasitics in South Africa.

Healthy generic competition can help keep medicine prices in check. In the U.S., the entry of additional generic competitors helps push down prices: by 6% after the first entrant, 48% after a second entrant, and up to 95% by the time a 19th generic manufacturer enters the market. In some large emerging economies, generic competition is thriving, and prices are low. But in many smaller low- and middle-income countries, where competition is limited and prices are marked up before they reach consumers, patients can face highly inflated prices: up to 30 times more than a minimum international reference price for basic generic medicines, our report shows.

While some experts tout increased price transparency as an answer to these failures, easing market entry and promoting competition through strategic, effective procurement is a better way forward. The World Health Organization and country governments need to focus on enhancing competition and creating an enabling and adequate policy environment for quality generics competition.

The WHO has already set up a “Collaborative Registration Procedure” to help reduce the costs of market entry of quality-assured generic products into small low- and middle-income countries. Next, the WHO should fully fund, expand, and endorse this process so it can become the norm for relatively small markets.

Country governments, for their part, should ease legal and/or regulatory barriers, such as country-specific labeling requirements, to expedited registration and jump on board a collaborative global or regional registration process. By streamlining national registration processes, they can also reallocate regulatory resources to helping catch and remove fake or tainted drugs from the pharmacy pipeline.

Policies for how countries select and procure products also require reexamination to boost competition and improve access to medicines. Policies that require purchase of nationally manufactured products can inhibit market entry and prevent efforts to pool procurement across countries, creating missed opportunities for savings. Some countries want to expand local manufacturing as a solution, but local monopolies and potential conflicts of interest can keep prices high. Corruption in the procurement of medicines also represents a major challenge. Understanding the scale of the problems in each country and designing bespoke reforms should be a priority for partnerships between the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund and national governments.

Patients around the world are being harmed by failing global markets for generic drugs. With leadership from the WHO and national governments, countries can take a big step in the right direction to close this gap, which severely affects the world’s poor.

---

Rachel Silverman is a policy fellow at the Center for Global Development. Amanda Glassman is the center’s executive vice president and CEO of Center for Global Development Europe.

New Approach Improves Connection to Komen’s Lifesaving Work 

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— RIVERSIDE, CA— Susan G. Komen Inland Empire announced today key changes to its annual community fundraising event.  Komen is debuting the next evolution in its signature fundraising event series – the Susan G. Komen Inland Empire MORE THAN PINK Walk™ – which will be held on Sunday, October 13, 2019 at Town Square Park in Murrieta.

The MORE THAN PINK Walk brings together an empowered community of hope to raise funds for breast cancer treatment, patient advocacy and lifesaving research. 

Along with a new name, the event (formerly known as the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure^®) will include a fresh new experience that demonstrates how the fundraising efforts of every participant fuels lifesaving research, critical patient care, needed community programs and public policy advocacy in a personal and powerful way.  The MORE THAN PINK Walk ensures that participants have a clear understanding of the value they provide in Susan G. Komen’s overall mission and how their fundraising makes an impact in the fight against breast cancer.

“Much of what you have come to love about the Race will continue with our new More Than Pink Walk,” said Jill Eaton, Executive Director of Komen Inland Empire, “The MORE THAN PINK Walk provides an opportunity to come together with others to share stories, laughter and tears while uniting behind a commitment to fight this devastating disease by raising money to save lives.”

Rather than including a timed run element, this inspiring family-friendly event joins participants of all ages and abilities, coming together as one, and supporting those affected by breast cancer today, while helping to search for tomorrow’s cures. This change will create a greater sense of community among participants and will provide a personalized, emotional experience for all who attend. 

Komen Inland Empire MORE THAN PINK Walk

October 13, 2019

Town Square Park, Murrieta

Register Online Now www.komenie.org.

“We’re excited about this evolution of our signature community event and encourage everyone to register and begin fundraising!  We look forward to seeing everyone walking on October 13 for a day of inspiration and hope as we honor those we have lost, celebrate those who have survived and support everyone currently living with breast cancer,” added Jill Eaton. “Come walk with us!”

Early Bird registration for the Komen Inland Empire MORE THAN PINK Walk is going on now through June 30, 2019, which is $15 for all participants.  Register early and start fundraising today. For more information on this event and to register, please visit us online at www.komenie.org.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— SAN BERNARDINO, CA— The San Bernardino Police Department will take part in a bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement operation aimed at educating bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians on traffic laws, rules and responsibilities.

On 06-28-2019,  between the hours of 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., officers will be looking for violations made by bicyclists, drivers and pedestrians that put roadway users at risk. These violations include drivers speeding, making illegal turns, failing to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, failing to stop for signs and signals or any other dangerous violation.

Officers will also look for pedestrians who cross the street illegally or fail to yield to drivers who have the right of way. Bike riders will be stopped when riding on the wrong side of the road, not complying with stop signs and signals, or other violation of the same traffic laws that apply to them as drivers.

Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities are rising at an alarming rate. In 2016, 138 bicyclists and 867 pedestrians were killed on California roads. Pedestrian fatalities are up nearly 33 percent from 2012, and the number of bicyclists killed are up nearly 25 percent over the past five years. In 2018, The San Bernardino Police  Department has investigated 16 fatal and injury collisions involving bicyclists and pedestrians.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel or on a bike, you play a part in roadway safety,” Sergeant Jeff Harvey said. “Understanding the rules of the road using all modes of transportation helps ensure we all get to our destination safely.”

People walking should only cross the street using crosswalks or intersections, preferably with a stop sign or signal. People on foot should also look for cars backing up and avoid darting between parked cars, make eye contact with drivers and wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials or use a flashlight at night.

Drivers should wait for pedestrians to cross the street, avoid distractions like using a cell phone, and be courteous and patient. All bike riders are reminded to always wear a helmet; helmets are required by law for those under 18. Bike riders should always go with the flow of traffic, let faster traffic pass and use hand signals when turning or stopping.

The San Bernardino Police Department supports the new OTS public awareness campaign, “Go Safely, California.” To find out more about ways to go safely, visit gosafelyca.org.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— COLTON, CA— Applications are now being accepted for an intensive program of education, business planning, and business counseling for women who want to start their own businesses or expand an existing business.

The program is offered by the Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration and sponsored by Citibank. 

“It’s Your Time: An Entrepreneurial Training Series for Women,” offers women education, business counseling, and individual support to help them develop a workable business idea or improve an existing business. Participants selected for the program must attend a minimum of 13 workshops, meet individually with a business counselor, and write a business plan. The cost to participate is based on income, and ranges from a minimum of $25 to a maximum of $130 for all program services. The program is open to women living in San Bernardino and Riverside counties and takes about 90 days to complete.

Graduates of the “It’s Your Time” program have gone on to open successful Inland Empire businesses such as hair salons, fitness studios, professional services, personal and business coaching, and bakeries.

Applications for “It’s Your Time” are available at the IEWBC website at www.iewbc.org, and must be completed and submitted by Friday, Aug. 9, 2019 at 5 p.m. Early application is encouraged. Participants who are accepted before the official program orientation on Aug. 20 can begin attending workshops immediately after their program intake session.  Late applications will not be accepted.

The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center, 1003 E. Cooley Dr., Ste. 109, in Colton, is a program of the Inland Empire Center for Entrepreneurship at Cal State San Bernardino.  Housed in the Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration, IECE, which administers the program in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, is inland Southern California’s leading organization dedicated to supporting and promoting entrepreneurship. The IEWBC provides business counseling, training and mentoring designed for women business owners. 

The Inland Empire Women’s Business Center hours are Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday by appointment only. For more information, visit the IEWBC website at www.iewbc.org or contact Michelle Skiljan at (909) 890-1242.

By Lou Yeboah

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK-ENN)— Aren’t you tied of being tied? Aren’t you tied of being stuck on stupid?  Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Don’t you know for a different outcome you must do something different. Listen, the purpose of my thought and intention today is to convey the significance of the moment we as a people of God have embarked upon. It is an occasion of opportunity, a point of entering, a moment of possessing. It’s time to move forward into the blessings of God that is set before us, without reservation. Drop your complaceny and move! Because God desire to take you places that “eyes have not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” Don’t allow fear and unbelief to keep you from seeing the incredible or receiving the impossible. Shake yourself off from the things that inhibit or obstruct your mobility and progression from entering into the things God has prepared for you. Get up and move! It’s time to overcome! I assure you as [Mark 11:23] says, “If anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Can you believe today?  Are you ready to be an overcomer? Because in Christ you are set free to live holy before God – you are not meant to be overcame but to overcome!  AMEN!

Are you with me? If so, then get up and move and face your mountain by faith in the name of Jesus and declare, “Get Behind me, Satan!” For the Bible tells us in [2 Corinthians 10:5], “That we cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” So are you ready?  Are you ready to say goodbye to defeat and start living a victorious life with God? Are you ready to be SET FREE?  For surely you have stayed at this mountain long enough. It is God’s will for you to live in His Freedom, Liberty, and Victory!  He’s calling you to move on from “the mountain that you’ve made out of a molehill” and cast it into the sea! You’re an overcomer! [Deuteronomy 1:6]. And if you have never talked to yourself before, I want you to talk to yoruself now and say, “I’ve been here too long… I’ve been here too long between deficiency and destiny. God has created an open place for me to walk in and I must begin to walk. For He said, “I open up doors that no man can shut.” It’s time to occupy! For God has promised me victory! I’ve stayed at this mountain long enough! It’s time to Overcome!  It’s time to leave that mountain behind and move on to the promised land! For I call to reality God’s council in my life. I call to reality my dreams and visions. I call to reality the manifestation of God blessings in my life today. “It’s Time to Move Forward!” For I’ve come too far to give up now! I decided that come hell or high water, I will not give up! I will not throw in the towel!  The struggle has been too hard and certainly too long, but like Paul, I am pressing towards the mark of a higher calling. To Hell with the Devil and his tactics! I’m going to keep on keeping on.

Yes! I encourage you to keep pressing and don’t let anybody, anything, situation or circumstance, stop you from pressing towards your blessing.  Be steadfast, don’t give up. Be steadfast, don’t grow weary. Be steadfast, and don’t faint at life’s obstacles. You can make it. Just like Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David and many more who struggled, they fought, but they made it. They won. They kept the faith. They laid aside every weight and sin; and endured until the end. They completed the race. They didn’t just start the marathon, they finished the marathon. We too must finish what God has started in us. We can’t quit now. As Paul said in [2 Timothy 4:7], “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.” We can’t give up now. Decide to “Live Radical” for God. Trust Him. It is only that you do not understand that heaven has commenced an action in your favor and God is at work in your life. We may not know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future. His Word in [Psalms 30:5] says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” There is hope. Keep trusting God. Keep travailing, keep giving, keep rejoicing, and keep fighting until the victory is won…  Hold on! God will bring His promises to pass. For truly it is time for you to move from where you are in life to where God wants you to be!  [Joshua 1:1-11].

Knowing that God is a God of vision and movement, we must not become complacent in our walk with God.  “Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.” [Philippians 3:12].

By Naomi K. Bonman

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— REDLANDS, CA— Back in the day there was the D.A.R.E. program and then there was TRUTH. Both were initiatives that rallied against drugs and tobacco use among minors. However, even though these were strong campaigns, these brands are rarely seen in the communities anymore which is why it is critical for community organizations to create their own campaigns, and what better way to do then through music and art.

On Saturday, June 22, Music Changing Lives (MCL) premiered their new music video, “Jewels Not Juulz”, featuring artist Tiana Phipps. The premiere took place at the MCL headquarters in Redlands.

“We are an organization that focuses on reducing the prevalence of tobacco in our communities,” San Bernardino County Tobacco Control Program representative, Amber, stated. “This project was made possible because of the collaboration with MCL. Continue doing what you are doing. The youth is the reason we are here; the youth is the reason for all of us.”

The song was curated to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and the epidemic of vaping among teens. CEO and Founder of Music Changing Lives, Josiah Bruny, combined forces with the Coalition for a Tobacco-Free San Bernardino County to use music and art as a way to reach the youth and the community.

The event was well attended with community members, MCL youth and staff, and elected officials of San Bernardino County. In addition to the live premiere of the video, there were refreshments, networking and a tour opportunity of the MCL recording studio and art lab. 

A few MCL students also performed solo acts after the premiere. Check some of them out below.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— WASHINGTON D.C.—Within a few months of joining Axios in 2017, Alexi McCammond quickly found herself emerging as a news leader – she was promoted from deputy news editor to national political reporter. It was her drive, tenacity and commitment to holding those in power accountable that allowed her to quickly emerge as a force in political journalism. Her unique style of reporting elevated her as a leading voice in the coverage of the 2018 mid-term elections, as well as the White House.

On Friday, Aug. 9, during the Annual Hall of Fame Luncheon at the 2019 NABJ Convention in Miami,McCammond will receive the 2019 National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award.

The 25-year-old will receive the award in recognition of her exemplary reporting that has often gone viral. She has produced thought-provoking enterprise pieces on major policy proposals, voting issues and the inner workings of the current White House administration. Most recently, McCammond was tapped to lead Axios’ 2020 elections coverage, which will include her traveling the nation talking to candidates and voters, as well as conducting focus groups with swing voters in the Midwest.

“Alexi McCammond is a past participant in NABJ’s training programs, and we are so proud to see her develop into a journalist of great character and dedication, who has shown unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of journalism,” said NABJ President Sarah Glover. “Not only has Alexi proven herself to be a rising star in journalism, but she also exemplifies the same passion for diversity in newsrooms that Michael J. Feeney, the namesake of the award, did throughout his career.”

The Michael J. Feeney Emerging Journalist of the Year Award recognizes a black print, broadcast, digital or photojournalist with less than five years of experience in the industry. Nominees, through their hard work and service, must display a commitment to NABJ’s goals of outstanding achievement and providing balanced coverage of the black community and society at large.

“I am so incredibly grateful to receive this award,” said McCammond. “Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I am honored to be recognized as the Emerging Journalist of the Year and will use this as further motivation in my reporting career. Thank you to NABJ and everyone who’s come before me for leading the way, believing in me, and giving me invaluable opportunities to learn and grow.”

Axios Editor-in-Chief Nicholas Johnston noted that McCammond’s impact in the newsroom has been “indispensable.”

“Alexi has been an indispensable part of the Axios team almost from day one, helping to build out our breaking news coverage, inventing Axios Smart Brevity campaign coverage in 2018 and now, leading Axios’ 2020 presidential campaign coverage,” Johnston said. “Her scoops and insights feature prominently in our newsletters, television appearances and on ‘Axios on HBO.’ We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments and are thrilled to have such a smart, caring colleague with us.”

Former Axios colleague and NABJ Parliamentarian Khorri Atkinson recalled a story McCammond produced that underscored the importance of empowering citizens with knowledge about the inner-workings of government.

“Her exemplary reporting chops couldn’t be clearer when she earned the trust of a White House insider who gave her access to a trove of President Trump’s ‘executive time,’ which was filled with private schedules between Nov. 7 and Feb. 1,” Atkinson said. “Her scoop, published last February, revealed that Trump spent roughly 60% – almost 300 hours out of 502 hours – of his schedule on unstructured ‘executive time’ to watch TV, make phone calls, read the papers…. The story quickly went viral.”

McCammond has used her growing platform to elevate the voices of those often underrepresented in the political process and in the media. Last fall, she was a featured reporter on “Axios HBO,” a limited docu-series that coincided with the 2018 midterm election. In the episodes, she provided expert analysis on the growing number of women and women of color reshaping American politics.

Also, in 2018, she helped spearhead “Axions of Color,” an employee resource group designed to foster a supportive community for those who identify as people of color at Axios. “Axions of Color” also seeks to increase efforts to recruit more journalists of color to the company and bring awareness to issues facing people of color in media.

McCammond will be honored at the NABJ Hall of Fame Luncheon during the NABJ Convention & Career Fair on Friday, Aug. 9, at the JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa. Convention registration and luncheon tickets can be purchased here.

(EMPIRE NEWS NETWORK—ENN)— You slipped on the stairs and feel your ankle throbbing. Your cough has lasted all month. Or your child spikes a high fever in the middle of the night. You call your primary care doctor first, but you can’t get a same-day appointment. So do you go to the emergency room or urgent care?

When these situations occur and we need immediate care, many face uncertainty due to the number of options available – and where you choose could be the difference between paying hundreds, or thousands of dollars. In fact, rushing to the emergency room for non-life-threatening ailments may cost patients nearly 10 times more than visiting an urgent care center. 

Here’s what to consider when deciding where to go for care:

Urgent Care Center

Urgent care centers are not for emergencies but can help you when you need care quickly. If you can’t get in with your primary care physician, this is a great option. Remember, it’s first-come, first-served. You may consider urgent care if you have symptoms like the following:

• Fever without a rash
• Moderate flu-like symptoms
• Sprains and strains
• Small cuts that may require stiches

The average cost for an urgent care visit* is $170. 

Emergency Room

Day or night, the hospital emergency room provides medical care. If your condition requires fast and advanced treatments, like surgery, go to the emergency room. The ER helps people with life-threatening or dangerous conditions first. Some of the symptoms that require an emergency room visit include, but are not limited to:

• Chest pain
• Numbness
• Slurred speech
• Fainting
• Serious burns
• Concussion
• Broken bones and dislocated joints
• Fever with a rash
• Seizures

The average cost for an emergency room visit* is $2,000.

Dr. Robert Kantor, market chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, urges people to take a moment to think through their symptoms before rushing to the emergency room.

“It’s a difficult situation when you’re experiencing it,” he said. “Your mind is not always so clear.”

Have you considered a virtual visit?

According to a National Center for Health Statistics study, of patients who went to the emergency room but were not admitted, 48 percent say they chose the ER because their doctor’s office was not open.

If you are faced with a non-emergency health condition – like a migraine, sore throat or stomachache – but your doctor’s office is closed, you may consider a virtual visit. This allows you to chat face-to-face with a doctor, day or night, and can save you up to $2,000 when compared to a visit to the ER**.

The average cost for a virtual visit* is $50.

Still not sure?

Many health insurance companies have a 24-hour nurse line that can help you with decisions like where to go for care. You can also compare your quick care options with UnitedHealthcare’s online resource. If you or a loved one are experiencing what you feel to be life-threatening symptoms other than those listed, trust your gut, and go to the emergency room or call 9-1-1.

---

*Information about treatment costs are estimates and reflect the average costs of guidance and care delivered through UnitedHealthcare owned and contracted service providers to members of UnitedHealthcare health plans. Costs for specific guidance and treatments may be higher or lower than the costs represented here. Emergency room cost estimates include facility charge and initial physician consultation.

**Check your official health plan documents to see what services and providers are covered by your health plan. Virtual visits are not an insurance product, health care provider or a health plan. Unless otherwise required, benefits are available only when services are delivered through a Designated Virtual Network Provider. Virtual visits are not intended to address emergency or life-threatening medical conditions and should not be used in those circumstances. Services may not be available at all times or in all locations.